Carbon Monoxide Detectors: How They Work, Where to Get Them, and How Much They Cost

A simple, accessible, and key technology can prevent tragedies during periods of intense cold : carbon monoxide detectors . These are household devices that provide real-time warnings about the presence of the gas in the environment, are easily available, and—contrary to popular belief— do not require professional installation .

This week, five members of a family, including a 4-year-old girl, died in a home in Villa Devoto . It all happened amid the cold snap affecting the AMBA region. The leading hypothesis points to carbon monoxide poisoning, a silent, invisible, and lethal gas .

Everything indicates that the tragic event was caused by the incomplete combustion of gas, coal, or wood. The big problem is that carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and tasteless , and it doesn't irritate the eyes or nose. That's why it's known as "the invisible killer."

These types of cases are not isolated: in Argentina , nearly 200 people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning, and more than 4,000 require hospital treatment. Most incidents occur in winter and are linked to the malfunction of stoves, water heaters, or braziers in poorly ventilated environments. Therefore, having safety systems is becoming increasingly important.

Carbon monoxide detectors are small electronic devices that measure the concentration of the gas in the air in real time . When they detect dangerous levels, they trigger a very loud audible alarm , allowing you to evacuate the area before experiencing symptoms.

Some models also detect natural gas leaks and operate on electrical or battery power .

An example of these devices is the MetroGAS PG-21D model, a dual-detector that monitors both carbon monoxide and natural gas . Its system triggers an audible alarm and a light signal upon detecting either of these gases, and can be flush-mounted directly into a light box, allowing for a clean installation without additional drilling.

Other models on the market are portable . They are designed with a highly sensitive electrochemical sensor , enabling them to detect even low levels of carbon monoxide in the environment. One of the most popular models runs on three AA batteries (4.5V DC), lasting approximately one year, and its sensor has a five-year lifespan from installation.

The alarm is activated based on the concentration and exposure time: at 50 ppm between 60 and 90 minutes; at 100 ppm between 10 and 40 minutes; and at 300 ppm within the first 3 minutes. This model is suitable for indoor use only .

In the smart device segment, the Google Nest Protect (model S3000BWES) stands out, an advanced detector that combines smoke and carbon monoxide sensors. It runs on alkaline batteries, has a lithium-ion battery backup, and connects to the internet with the Google ecosystem and Nest Cam.

It's completely wireless, has an 80-decibel audible alarm, and can be monitored from your phone via the app . It doesn't require a remote control and is designed for efficient home use, integrating with other smart devices. Its compact plastic design (13.4 cm wide and high, 3.95 cm thick) allows for easy placement in any interior.

There are also combined detectors (gas + carbon monoxide), and some even allow monitoring from a cell phone.

These devices are mostly available at hardware stores, electrical retailers, online retailers, or e-commerce platforms such as Mercado Libre or Amazon. Prices for these products typically start at $25,000 for the simplest detectors and exceed $100,000 for the most complex models, as they may have Wi-Fi or a digital display.

On the other hand, installing these detectors is simpler than it seems and doesn't require the presence of a technician . All you need is a screwdriver, a nearby electrical outlet, and a few basic rules. The first step is to determine the correct location : it should be placed between 15 and 30 centimeters from the ceiling and more than 1.8 meters from the nearest gas appliance.

In general, they cover areas between 50 and 100 square meters , and it is recommended to place one per critical environment: kitchen, bedrooms and any place where there is a gas appliance.

Keep in mind that they should never be placed outdoors , in drafty areas, or on the device you want to control. Furthermore, avoid covering it with furniture or curtains.

Once installed and plugged in, a green light should illuminate, indicating it's working. Most include a test button to verify the alarm is sounding correctly.

When a person inhales carbon monoxide, it binds to the hemoglobin in the blood and prevents oxygen from reaching the heart, brain, and other organs in the body. It can cause dizziness, nausea, headache, fainting, and, with prolonged exposure, death .

Therefore, one of the most important measures is to keep rooms ventilated , even in winter. A door or window should always be open.

It's also important to observe the color of the flame on your stove or cooktop: if it's not blue and appears yellow or red, it means the appliance isn't working properly and may be generating carbon monoxide.

You should not sleep with braziers or wood stoves lit, nor should you use stoves or ovens to heat your room. It's important that gas appliances be inspected once a year by a licensed gas fitter, and that ventilation (chimneys or pipes) be free of obstructions from leaves, dirt, or bird nests.

Likewise, generators should never be turned on inside a home. Nor should a car be left running in a garage without adequate ventilation.

And in vacation homes that have been closed for a long time, it's a good idea to check all appliances before using them again.